The Zimbabwe National Students’ Union (ZINASU) did not file court papers as expected Wednesday challenging the validity of First Lady Grace Mugabe’s philosophy doctorate as their attorney Jacob Mapfume stepped aside, citing far-reaching negative political implications on the matter.
Mapfume told VOA Studio 7 he had to recuse himself as he is a spokesman of the Movement for Democratic Change Renewal Team led by former cabinet minister Sekai Holland.
Mapfume said the matter will now be handled by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Mapfume of Mupanga Bhatasara Legal Practitioners said the students have a strong legal basis to challenge the validity of the doctorate awarded recently by the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
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Interview With Jacob Mapfume
ZINASU claims that they decided to take the matter to court after failing to get the necessary information on how Mrs. Mugabe obtained her PhD.
ZINASU president, Gilbert Mutubuki told VOA Studio 7 they convened an urgent meeting last night to update students on the impending court case.
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Interview With Gilbert Mutubuki
There was no official comment from the first lady’s aide, Lawrence Kamwi, who was not responding to calls on his mobile phone. UZ officials declined to comment.
Vice President Joice Mujuru, who was awarded a similar doctorate on the same day with Mrs. Mugabe, has since published her work in the Academy of International Research in Management & Business Realities and the University of Zimbabwe.